Ambition into Action
Across the county, businesses are growing, new talent is being developed, young people are discovering career opportunities and communities are bringing forward exciting ideas. Behind all of that are people working together to create a stronger, more resilient Cumbria.
In this edition, you’ll find practical ways to be part of that progress, from connecting with your future workforce and accessing fully funded business and skills support, to exploring funding opportunities and getting involved in programmes that can make a real difference.
Whatever your plans, we hope something in these pages sparks an idea, opens a door or introduces you to the support and connections that can help you move forward.
There’s lots happening and even more to look forward to. Let’s make the most of it.
Explore and bookmark the Enterprising Cumbria and Cumbria Combined Authority websites for easy access to the latest business news, funding and support opportunities, events, skills and training programmes, and resources designed to help individuals, communities, and businesses thrive across Cumbria.
You can also find us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram
Connect with your future workforce
Finding and developing the right people is a challenge for businesses of every size. Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce Conference will give Cumbrian employers practical ideas, valuable connections and access to the organisations supporting the county’s future talent.
Taking place at Keswick Pencil Factory on Wednesday 14th October 2026, this free conference will help your business:
- Reach and understand the next generation of employees
- Strengthen recruitment and workforce planning
- Develop productive links with schools, colleges and training providers
- Create meaningful workplace experiences that work for your business
The programme includes expert speakers, interactive workshops and networking with employers and partners from across Cumbria.
Cath Dutton from Cumbria Careers Hub said:
“This is an opportunity for businesses to make valuable connections, share workforce challenges and discover practical ways to attract and develop local talent. Businesses of every size have something to gain from taking part.”
The conference runs from 9am to 3.45pm. Attendance is free, but places are limited.
Funding Opportunities Launched for Community Groups and Local Government
Great British Energy has launched its latest round of funding for community and local energy projects. This will help community organisations and local authorities develop clean energy projects that deliver lasting benefits for local people, bringing ownership and energy security to local areas.
Information on the funding can be found here: ‘People’s Power’ projects to give more control over local energy - GOV.UK
If you are interested in applying, please contact Richard.lambeth@cumbria.gov.uk who can advise on available support.
Futureproof Cumbria Launching Support for Community Energy Projects
FutureProof Cumbria have launched a dedicated support service for groups seeking to progress their community energy projects. Working with Community Energy Go and funded and supported by the North West Net Zero Hub and the Cumbria Combined Authority, Futureproof Cumbria’s service will help Cumbrian groups develop and progress their local energy projects. This will add critical capacity support to community energy projects to help transform those aspirational clean energy ideas into tangible projects that benefit local areas.
More information on Futureproof Cumbria’s service can be found here: Community Energy - Futureproof Cumbria
Could your organisation help inspire the next generation of talent?
Following the positive outcomes of the pilot programme, Foundations First will return to West Cumbria from 2nd November to 4th December 2026, supporting 17-24 year olds who are not in education, employment or training to explore careers in construction, engineering and the nuclear supply chain.
The first cohort delivered excellent results, with 90% of participants completing the programme and gaining industry-recognised qualifications. All participants reported increased confidence, stronger essential skills and a better understanding of career opportunities. Participants have already progressed into employment, apprenticeships and further training.
Employers are now being invited to support the next cohort by offering work experience placements, hosting site visits, delivering career pathway sessions, supporting CV workshops and mock interviews, or sharing their expertise and experiences with participants.
By getting involved, you can help young people build confidence, develop industry knowledge and take their first steps towards rewarding careers, while supporting the development of Cumbria's future workforce.
To find out more or discuss how your organisation can get involved, please contact Nina Cruise on: 07890 652 328 or at Nina.Cruise@alltogethercumbria.com
Finding the right skills can be one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today. Skills Bootcamps are designed to help employers access training that addresses workforce needs, strengthens teams and supports long-term growth. For individuals, they offer a fast-track route to developing in-demand skills and advancing careers.
Take a look at the opportunities currently available and see what's on offer.
If you’re an employer looking to strengthen your workforce, we’d love to hear from you.
Grow Smarter with Cumbria Accelerator
Ready to take your business further?
Cumbria Accelerator is a fully funded business support programme helping businesses across Cumbria start, strengthen and grow. Having already supported more than 1,200 local businesses, the programme provides tailored one-to-one advice, practical workshops and expert guidance to help businesses overcome challenges, unlock opportunities and achieve sustainable growth.
Whether you're looking to increase productivity, boost sales, embrace digital technologies, strengthen leadership capabilities or develop a clear growth strategy, Cumbria Accelerator connects you with experienced local advisers who understand the realities of running a business.
Businesses also benefit from networking opportunities and access to wider support available across the county.
Latest case study
A Taste of Business Support in Cockermouth
Recently, in-house Business Adviser Donna Dacre headed to Cockermouth to visit Dosa Chaska, as part of our continued support for established businesses across Cumbria. Following an earlier online business support session, it was great to meet Sachin and his wife in person.
Dosa Chaska specialises in fresh, authentic South Indian food, and Sachin is passionate about introducing more people to dosa and changing perceptions of Indian food. A key part of his vision is helping customers discover that South Indian food can be a fresh, healthy and tasty option to enjoy throughout the day.
Visiting the business gave Donna the opportunity to see its location, understand more about how the café operates day-to-day and continue conversations around Sachin's plans for the business.
Of course, the visit also provided the perfect opportunity for Donna to try her very first dosa! She was impressed by just how tasty and filling it was and was also treated to an Indian cookie to take home.
Donna will continue to support Sachin as he develops his plans and works to introduce more people to authentic South Indian food in Cockermouth.
If you haven't tried a dosa before, why not pay Dosa Chaska a visit and discover authentic South Indian food for yourself?
We’re keen to get out and visit more established businesses across Cumbria. If you’d like one of the business support team to visit your business, learn more about what you do and discuss your plans, challenges or opportunities, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with the Cumbria Accelerator team.
Get Involved
If you're ready to take the next step in your business journey, now is the perfect time to join the growing number of businesses benefiting from Cumbria Accelerator support.
Fully funded. Expert-led. Designed around your business needs.
Find out more today.
Cumbria businesses: This is your chance to help bring the Help to Grow: Management programme to the region.
With expert-led learning, 1:1 mentoring and practical strategies to grow your business, it has already benefited thousands of SME leaders across the UK.
If you'd like to see this programme delivered in Cumbria, take a moment to register your interest. Your support could help make it happen.
Email Donna Dacre to register your interest: Donna.Dacre@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk
Find out more today.
Business Academy
Business Academy’s live events and on-demand videos connect you with expert support and help you master new skills for your business.
Grow your business with confidence – whether you’re starting out, scaling up, selling overseas, or sharpening your digital skills, we’ve got you covered. Over 30,000 businesses across the UK are already benefiting from our training. It’s completely free to join and takes only a few minutes to get started.
The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme
Applications for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) open on 1 October 2026 and close at 23:59 on 30 November 2026.
Announced as part of the Industrial Strategy, BICS cuts electricity costs for eligible manufacturers in Great Britain, with savings of up to £40 per MWh reaching bills from April 2027. Over 10,000 businesses are expected to be eligible.
Use the eligibility checker on GOV.UK to see whether your business is likely to be eligible, read the business guidance to start understanding evidence requirements, and join a webinar to find out more on 9 September and 24 September.
Businesses offered 50 per cent match funding by Barrow BID
Barrow Business Improvement District is investing funds into a grant scheme aimed at helping town centre businesses "grow, improve and thrive."
The Business Grant Scheme will see Barrow BID invest £60,000 over the next five years, with around 50 projects hoped to benefit from funding.
Businesses can apply for 50 per cent match funding towards a range of eligible projects, including exterior improvements to a property, bringing vacant properties back into use, staff training, CCTV installation, sustainability projects and energy efficiency measures.
Read more about the grant scheme here: https://barrowbid.co.uk/business-development-grant-scheme/
Grants to improve productivity and resilience in farming
Farming, growing or forestry businesses in England can apply for a share of up to £5 million for on-farm trial and demonstration projects to improve adoption of new ideas in the agricultural sector. Projects must have the potential to significantly improve productivity, resilience or sustainability and progression towards net zero farming.
The competition closes on 7th October 2026.
Read more about the funding at:
https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/2544/overview/fe16ecd4-5413-4fa5-8ccc-4bfdcb390944
Cumbrian businesses are growing, labour market data shows
Business is booming in Cumbria as the county's labour market data continues to see positive improvements. Cumbria recorded 223 new Companies House incorporations in July, which was 60 more than the previous month and one more than the same period last year.
For further insights, see: Cumbrian businesses are growing, labour market data shows | In Cumbria
Two-day event to reveal Barrow town centre’s £22.9m regeneration plans
People can help shape a major transformation of Barrow town centre during a free two-day event next month. The project includes a new market village, a temporary theatre, improved spaces at the town hall and a programme of live events. The Heart of Barrow project will be showcased by Westmorland and Furness Council and Team Barrow on Friday October 2 and Saturday October 3.
For further insights, see: Two-day event to reveal Barrow town centre’s £22.9m regeneration plans – Business Crack
5 Oct: BECBC Professional Services Group
14 Oct: Energy networx | BECBC Professional Services Group
15 Oct: Investing in the Future of the Lake District - Film Premiere and Investor Showcase
16 Oct: Landscape & Heritage Discovery Day
19 Oct: Jobs and Skills Fair - Barrow-in-Furness
20 Oct: Social Value Group | BECBC Professional Services Group
22-23 Oct: Rolls-Royce SMR & Great British Energy - Nuclear joint supply chain event
2027
15 Apr: Cumbria Mayoral Business Hustings 2027 | CBI & Partners - Rheged, Penrith
20 Apr: Cumbria Mayoral Business Hustings 2027 |CBI & Partners - Energus, Workington
